Fall under the unique
spell of Bonifacio
Bonifacio, a medieval citadel
founded in the 9th century
Bonifacio a medieval citadel founded in the 9th century, has always made an indelible impression when, as you stroll along the paths lining its characteristic white cliffs, it reveals itself in all its Mediterranean splendour. Its past, whose roots go back much further than the laying of its first stones, is matched only by its well-preserved natural heritage, a true haven of marine and terrestrial nature whose protection is close to the hearts of all those who have grown up here.
This former Genoese stronghold, maintained through the ages, is an authentic bastion of Corsican history. Here you can discover its Pisan origins through the evidence of the stone uncovered by recent excavations, and the traces of countless sieges and invasions that punctuate its tumultuous existence, from the capture of the town by the illustrious Dragut to the fortifications of the 2nd World War. There are many legendary sites in Bonifacio, such as the staircase known as the « King of Aragon’s », whose oral myth recounts how it was built in one night to organise the monarch’s escape, the « bastion de l’étendard », symbol of the city and its collection of ancient churches, which becomes the focal point of Bonifacian life during the famous religious processions that take place every year.
The tour continues along the coast, discovering the famous immaculate limestone cliffs for which the town is famous. A few kilometres further on, you’ll come alongside the archipelago of the Lavezzi Islands, a natural sanctuary within the « Bouches de Bonifacio » Marine Park and the scene of the tragic sinking of the Semillante in the 19th century.
Once you’re back on dry land, the surrounding scrubland is full of surprises. You can explore the coastline on the signposted footpaths that will take you to the still-wild corners of the region, to discover the exceptional beaches whose names such as Sant’Amanza, Sperone or Rondinara have forged the paradisiacal reputation of the far south.
The Pian del Fosse team is always on hand to reveal the secrets of Bonifacio, a truly unique place in Corsica.
Bastion de l’Etendard
After walking up the « montée St Roch », through the genoan gate, you’ll arrive to the « Bastion de l’Etendard », Bonifacio’s most representative building. Giving the impression of standing in front of a castle, the Bastion is in fact an enormous fortress overlooking the port. Inside, the rooms partly carved out of the rock retrace 1,000 years of the history of the town’s fortifications.
The Bastion de l’Etendard was built in the 13th century by the Genoese to protect access to the port of Genoa, the only gateway into the city. However, it was destroyed in the 16th century by the Franco-Turks before being quickly rebuilt.
Perched at a height of 70m, it is the most imposing part of the fortifications and the highest fortress in France.
The Bastion’s garden
The Garden of the Citadel of Bonifacio is called the ‘Garden of Landscapes’ because of its beauty. Like a balcony suspended over the sea, visitors can only marvel at the views of the surrounding countryside.
The wall-walk
Bonifacio’s wall-walks are a fascinating testimony to medieval defence. Built between the 13th and 14th centuries, the town’s fortifications were constantly evolving.
From Pisan construction to the French fortifications, via the Genoese era, the major events that have marked the town’s history are recounted here.
The King of Aragon’s staircase
In the Pisan quarter, just a few meters away from the Torrione, you’ll find an emblematic site, the King of Aragon’s Staircase. 189 steps, each more irregular than the last, carved out of limestone. Legend has it that the stairs were dug out in one night by the troops of Alfonso V, King of Aragon, in 1420. The less fanciful but equally impressive historical facts point to the work of Franciscan monks to gain access to a source of drinking water, the Saint Barthélémy well.
The staircase joins a 400m horizontal path down to the sea, from where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the cliffs and Sardinia.
Citadel, Upper Town
Perched on a 70 meters high cliff, the Citadelle surrounds the Upper Town with its ramparts.
If you walk up from the port, the main access to the Citadel is via the Genoan Gate, which was converted into a drawbridge in the 16th century. Until 1854, when the Porte de France (through which you can drive) was built, this was the only way to enter the Upper Town.
As a result, the streets and alleyways wind around the houses, which are joined together as if to form a defensive wall, often linked by arches whose function was to channel rainwater, which was invaluable in a town that often suffered long sieges and lacked natural springs.
Many of Bonifacio’s churches bear witness to the town’s religious heritage: Saint Dominique, Sainte Marie Majeure, St François, St Jean Baptiste, St Roch
Windmills
The last three windmills on record are in ruins, but their silhouettes stand out against the limestone plateau and are reminiscent of the cereal-growing activity of the past to ensure the community’s flour needs. It is said that in the Middle Ages, sixteen mills were in operation in Bonifacio.
Since local production only covered 4 months’ consumption, the remainder was imported from other parts of the island, including Sartène, Sardinia and sometimes Genoa. Millet was preferred to wheat because of its better preservation.
